The Phillies Zone

Busy day for the Phillies.

First, they exchanged salary arbitration numbers with players still eligible for arbitration. Ryan Howard has asked for $18 million, while the Phillies have offered $14 million. The Associated Press also reports that it is the third-highest figure submitted since the process began in 1974. Houston's Roger Clemens requested $22 million in 2005. New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter requested $18.5 million in 2001.

The Phillies avoided salary arbitration with righthander Joe Blanton, who agreed to a one-year, $5.475 million contract. The Phillies also agreed on a one-year, $3.125 million contract with centerfielder Shane Victorino. That leaves Howard, Jayson Werth and Chad Durbin as the only players still eligible for salary arbitration.